Container and method of forming a container

ABSTRACT

An insulating container can be configured to retain a volume of liquid, and include a canister having a first inner wall having a first end having an opening extending into an internal reservoir, and a second outer wall forming an outer shell. The opening can be sealed by a spout adapter, the spout adapter having a spout channel extending between the internal reservoir and a spout opening, smaller than the opening of the canister. The spout opening may be sealed with a cap having a magnetic top surface, and the spout adapter may be further removably coupled to a lid that may be used as a cup into which a volume of the liquid can be poured. In addition, spout adapter assembly with an adapter that releasably attaches to the canister and a plug that is received within the adapter that moves to place the spout adapter assembly into an open and a closed orientation. The plug may have a means to provide tactile feedback to a user that the spout adapter assembly is in an optimal pouring condition.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of, and priority to, U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 15/786,163, filed on Oct. 17, 2017, which claimspriority to both U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/409,242,filed Oct. 17, 2016, and U.S. Provisional Patent Application No.62/508,793, filed 19 May 2017. The content of these above listedapplications is expressly incorporated herein by reference in theirentirety for any and all non-limiting purposes.

FIELD

The present disclosure herein relates broadly to containers, and morespecifically to drinkware containers used for drinkable beverages orfoods.

BACKGROUND

A container may be configured to store a volume of liquid. Containerscan be filled with hot or cold drinkable liquids, such as water, coffee,tea, a soft drink, or an alcoholic beverage, such as beer. Thesecontainers can be formed of a double-wall vacuumed formed constructionto provide insulative properties to help maintain the temperature of theliquid within the container.

BRIEF SUMMARY

This Summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in asimplified form that are further described below in the DetailedDescription. The Summary is not intended to identify key features oressential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended tobe used to limit the scope of the claimed subject matter.

In certain examples, an insulating container can be configured to retaina volume of liquid. The insulating container can include a canister witha first inner wall having a first end with an opening extending into aninternal reservoir for receiving liquid, along with a second outer walland a bottom portion forming an outer shell of the canister. The bottomportion may form a second end configured to support the canister on asurface.

The insulating container may include a spout adapter configured to sealthe opening of the canister, and provide a re-sealable spout openingthat is narrower than the opening of the canister, to facilitate morecontrolled pouring of the contents of the internal reservoir of thecanister into another container. In one example, the other container maybe a cup formed from a lid that is removably coupled to a top of thespout adapter.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present disclosure is illustrated by way of example and not limitedin the accompanying figures in which like reference numerals indicatesimilar elements and in which:

FIG. 1 depicts an isometric view of an insulating container, accordingto one or more aspects described herein.

FIG. 2 depicts another isometric view of the insulating container fromFIG. 1, according to one or more aspects described herein.

FIG. 3 depicts yet another isometric view of the insulating containerfrom FIG. 1, according to one or more aspects described herein.

FIG. 4 depicts an exploded isometric view of the container from FIG. 1,according to one or more aspects described herein.

FIG. 5 depicts a more detailed isometric view of a top of a spoutadapter, according to one or more aspects described herein.

FIG. 6 depicts a more detailed isometric view of a bottom of the spoutadapter, according to one or more aspects described herein.

FIG. 7 schematically depicts a cross-sectional isometric view of thespout adapter, according to one or more aspects described herein.

FIG. 8 depicts an isometric view of cap, according to one or moreaspects described herein.

FIG. 9 schematically depicts a cross-sectional view of the insulatingcontainer of FIG. 1, according to one or more aspects described herein.

FIGS. 10A-10F depict steps of a molding process of the spout adapter104, according to one or more aspects described herein.

FIG. 11 depicts an isometric view of an opening adapter assemblyconfigured to be removably coupled to an insulating container, accordingto one or more aspects described herein.

FIG. 12 depicts an exploded isometric view of the opening adapterassembly from FIG. 11, according to one or more aspects describedherein.

FIG. 13 depicts an isometric view of a plug structure, according to oneor more aspects described herein.

FIG. 14 depicts a bottom view of an opening adapter, according to one ormore aspects described herein.

FIG. 15A schematically depicts a cross-sectional view of a plugstructure fully engaged with an opening adapter, according to one ormore aspects described herein.

FIG. 15B schematically depicts another cross-sectional view of the plugstructure in a partially uncoupled configuration relative to the openingadapter, according to one or more aspects described herein.

FIG. 16 depicts a top front isometric view of an alternate openingadapter assembly on an insulating container, according to one or moreaspects described herein.

FIG. 17A depicts a top front isometric view of the alternate openingadapter assembly of FIG. 16.

FIG. 17B depicts a bottom front isometric view of the alternate openingadapter assembly of FIG. 16.

FIG. 18 depicts an exploded top front isometric view of the alternateopening adapter assembly of FIG. 16.

FIG. 19 depicts a cross-sectional view of the alternate opening adapterassembly of FIG. 16 in a closed orientation with the lid removed forclarity.

FIG. 20 depicts a cross-sectional view of the alternate opening adapterassembly of FIG. 16 in an open orientation with the lid removed forclarity.

FIG. 21 depicts a top front isometric view of the plug of the alternateopening adapter assembly of FIG. 16.

FIG. 22A depicts a front view of the plug of the alternate openingadapter assembly of FIG. 16.

FIG. 22B depicts a bottom view of the plug of the alternate openingadapter assembly of FIG. 16.

FIG. 22C depicts a cross-sectional view of the plug of the alternateopening adapter assembly of FIG. 16.

FIG. 23 depicts a top front isometric view of an alternate openingadapter assembly on an insulating container, according to one or moreaspects described herein.

FIG. 24 depicts an exploded top front isometric view of the alternateopening adapter assembly of FIG. 23.

FIG. 25 depicts a cross-sectional view of the alternate opening adapterassembly of FIG. 23 in a closed orientation.

FIG. 26 depicts a cross-sectional view of the alternate opening adapterassembly of FIG. 23 in an open orientation.

FIG. 27 depicts a bottom view of the alternate opening adapter assemblyof FIG. 23.

FIG. 28 depicts a top front isometric view of the adapter of thealternate opening adapter assembly of FIG. 23.

FIG. 29A depicts a front view of the adapter of the alternate openingadapter assembly of FIG. 23.

FIG. 29B depicts a bottom view of the adapter of the alternate openingadapter assembly of FIG. 23.

FIG. 29C depicts a cross-sectional view of the adapter of the alternateopening adapter assembly of FIG. 23.

FIG. 30 depicts a top front isometric view of the plug of the alternateopening adapter assembly of FIG. 23.

FIG. 31A depicts a front view of the plug of the alternate openingadapter assembly of FIG. 23.

FIG. 31B depicts a bottom view of the plug of the alternate openingadapter assembly of FIG. 23.

FIG. 31C depicts a cross-sectional view of the plug of the alternateopening adapter assembly of FIG. 23.

Further, it is to be understood that the drawings may represent thescale of different components of various examples; however, thedisclosed examples are not limited to that particular scale.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In the following description of the various examples, reference is madeto the accompanying drawings, which form a part hereof, and in which isshown by way of illustration various examples in which aspects of thedisclosure may be practiced. It is to be understood that other examplesmay be utilized and structural and functional modifications may be madewithout departing from the scope and spirit of the present disclosure.

FIG. 1 depicts an isometric view of an insulating container 100,according to one or more aspects described herein. In one example, thecontainer 100 may be configured to store a volume of liquid. Thecontainer 100 may comprise a canister 102 that is removably coupled to aspout adapter 104 and a lid 106. The lid 106, when removed from thespout adapter 104, may be configured to function as a cup into which,for example, a portion of the liquid stored in the canister 102 can bepoured. In one example, the canister 102 may be substantiallycylindrical in shape, however, it is contemplated that the canister 102may be embodied with any shape, such as a cuboidal shape, withoutdeparting from the scope of these disclosures. Further, in variousexamples, the canister 102 may be referred to as a bottom portion, base,or insulated base structure having a substantially cylindrical shape. Asan example, a structure may be described as having a substantiallycylindrical shape may have a shape of a cylinder with a generallycircular cross-sectional shape and parallel side walls, as anotheroption a substantially cylindrical shape may have a generally circularcross-sectional shape where the side walls are within 5 degrees of beingparallel to each other, or where the side walls are within 10 degrees ofeach other.

FIG. 2 depicts another isometric view of the insulating container 100from FIG. 1, according to one or more aspects described herein. Asdepicted in FIG. 2, the lid 106 is removed from the spout adapter 104 toreveal a cap 108 that is removably coupled to a top surface 110 of thespout adapter 104. The cap 108, when removed from the spout adapter 104,as depicted in FIG. 3, reveals a spout opening 112 that extends throughthe spout adapter 104 into a cavity of the canister 102. Accordingly,the cap 108 may be configured to removably couple to, and seal (i.e.resealably seal), the spout opening 112. Accordingly, in one example,the spout opening 112 provides a narrower opening than an opening 158 ofthe canister 102 (see, e.g. FIG. 9), and as such, provides for morecontrolled/better targeted manual pouring of the contents of thecanister 102 into another container, such as the lid 106, when removedfrom the spout adapter 104. In one example, the spout opening 112 of thespout adapter 104 is off-center on the top surface 110 of the spoutadapter 104. It is contemplated that the spout opening 112 may bepositioned at any point on the top surface 110, and may be off-center,as depicted, or may be centered. In another example, the spout opening112 may have a central axis (parallel to the axis of rotation of thecylindrical shape of the spout opening 112) that is parallel to alongitudinal axis of the container 100 (i.e. longitudinal axis parallelto the axis of rotation of the cylindrical shape of the canister 102)and/or perpendicular to the plane of top surface 110 of the spoutadapter 104. In an alternative example, the central axis of the spoutopening 112 may be angled relative to the top surface 110 at an anglethat is not 90 degrees. In this regard, it is contemplated that the anyangle may be utilized, without departing from the scope of thesedisclosures.

In one implementation, the cap 108 includes a magnetic top surface 111.The magnetic top surface 111 may include a polymeric outer layercovering a ferromagnetic structure (e.g. a metal plate/other structuralshape may be positioned below the magnetic top surface 111). In anotherimplementation, all or a portion of the outer surfaces of the cap 108may be constructed from one or metals and/or alloys. Accordingly, themagnetic top surface 111 may include an outer material that isferromagnetic, or itself magnetized. In another implementation, themagnetic top surface 111 may comprise one or more polymers overmoldedover a magnet structure (i.e. a magnetized metal/alloy may be positionedwithin the cap 108 as it is being molded).

The term “magnetic,” as utilized herein, may refer to a material (e.g. aferromagnetic material) that may be temporarily or “permanently”magnetized. As such, the term “magnetic” may refer to a material (i.e. asurface, or object, and the like) that may be magnetically attracted toa magnet (i.e. a temporary or permanent magnet) that has a magneticfield associated therewith. In one example, a magnetic material may bemagnetized (i.e. may form a permanent magnet). Additionally, variousexamples of magnetic materials may be utilized with the disclosuresdescribed herein, including nickel, iron, and cobalt, and alloysthereof, among others.

The cap 108, when removed from the spout opening 112, as depicted inFIG. 3, may be magnetically coupled to a docking surface 114 of thespout adapter 104. Similar to the top surface 111 of the cap 108, thedocking surface 114 of the spout adapter 104 may include a magneticmaterial. In one example, the docking surface 114 may include one ormore polymers that are overmolded over a magnetic element (e.g. a metalplate, foil, or wire, among others). In another example, the dockingsurface 114 may include a metallic and magnetic outer surface.

It is contemplated that in one example, the canister 102 and the lid 106may be primarily constructed from an alloy, such as steel, or an alloyof titanium, and the spout adapter 104 and cap 108 may be primarilyconstructed from one or more polymers (with the exception of themagnetic top surface 111, and the docking surface 114, among others).However, it is further contemplated that each element described hereincan be constructed from one or more metals, alloys, polymers, ceramics,or fiber-reinforced materials, among others. In particular, thecontainer 100 may utilize one or more of steel, titanium, iron, nickel,cobalt, high impact polystyrene, acrylonitrile butadiene styrene, nylon,polyvinylchloride, polyethylene, and/or polypropylene, among others.

FIG. 4 depicts an exploded isometric view of the container 100,according to one or more aspects described herein. In particular, FIG. 4depicts the spout adapter 104 removed from the canister 102, and the lid106 and cap 108 removed from the spout adapter 104. In oneimplementation, the spout adapter 104 may include a bottom threadedsurface 116 that is configured to removably couple to a threaded innersurface 118 of the canister 102. Additionally, the spout adapter 104 mayinclude a top threaded surface 120 that is configured to removablycouple to a threaded inner surface of the lid 106. Further a threadedouter spout surface 122 is configured to removably couple to a threadedinner surface 124 of the cap 108.

It is contemplated, however, that in an alternative implementation, thethreaded surfaces previously described may be reversed, withoutdeparting from the scope of these disclosures. In this alternativeimplementation, the spout adapter 104 may include a bottom threadedsurface that is configured to removably couple to a threaded outersurface of the canister 102, and the spout adapter 104 may include a topthreaded surface that is configured to removably couple to a threadedouter surface of the lid 106. Further a threaded inner spout surface ofthe spout opening 112 may be configured to removably couple to athreaded outer surface of the cap 108.

It is contemplated that a threaded surface discussed herein may includeany thread geometry, including any thread pitch, angle, or length, amongothers, without departing from the scope of these disclosures. As such,any of the bottom threaded surface 116, threaded inner surface 118, topthreaded surface 120, threaded inner surface of the lid 106, threadedouter spout surface 122, and/or threaded inner surface 124 may be fullyengaged with corresponding mating elements by rotating the elementsrelative to one another by any number of rotations, without departingfrom the scope of these disclosures. For example, two mating threadedelements, from elements 116, 118, 120, 122, and/or 124, may be fullyengaged by rotating by approximately ¼ of one full revolution,approximately ⅓ of one full revolution, approximately ½ of one fullrevolution, approximately 1 full revolution, approximately 2 fullrevolutions, approximately 3 full revolutions, at least 1 revolution, orat least five revolutions, among many others.

It is further contemplated that the removable couplings between one ormore of the canister 102, the spout adapter 104, the lid 106 and the cap108 may include additional or alternative coupling mechanisms, such asclamp elements, tabs, ties, or an interference fitting, among others,without departing from the scope of these disclosures.

FIG. 5 depicts a more detailed isometric view of the top of the spoutadapter 104, according to one or more aspects described herein. Thespout adapter 104 includes the bottom threaded surface 116 separatedfrom the top threaded surface 120 by a grip ring 126. In oneimplementation, the docking surface 114 is formed from a portion of ahandle 128 extending from the grip ring 126. In one implementation, thegrip ring 126 is configured to be grasped by a user in order to coupleand uncouple the spout adapter 104 from the canister 102 and/or lid 106.Accordingly, in one example, the handle 128 prevents or reduces a user'shand slipping around the grip ring 126 as a user exerts a manual torqueon the spout adapter 104 to couple or decouple it from the canister 102and/or lid 106. It is further contemplated that the grip ring 126 maycomprise multiple handle structures in addition to the single handle 128depicted in FIG. 5, without departing from the scope of thesedisclosures. Additionally, the grip ring 126 may include one or moretacky or rubberized materials, or a surface texture such as a knurling,configured to prevent or reduce slippage of a user's hand as it rotatesthe spout adapter 104 relative to the canister 102 and/or the lid 106.

In one example, the spout opening 112 of the spout adapter 104 providesaccess to a spout channel 130 that extends through a height(approximately parallel to direction 132) of the spout adapter 104 andthrough to a bottom surface 134 of the spout adapter 104, as depicted inFIG. 6. FIG. 7 schematically depicts a cross-sectional isometric view ofthe spout adapter 104, according to one or more aspects describedherein. As depicted in FIG. 7, the spout channel 130 may extend from thespout opening 112 through to the bottom surface 134. In the depictedimplementation, the spout channel 130 may have a diameter 136approximately uniform through the length of the spout channel 130.However, it is contemplated that the spout channel may have differentdiameters and sizes through the length of the channel extending betweenthe spout opening 112 and the bottom surface 134.

In one implementation, the spout adapter 104 may include an internalcavity 138 that extends around the spout channel 130. This internalcavity 138 may be sealed by one or more manufacturing processes utilizedto construct the spout adapter 104. Accordingly, in one example, theinternal cavity 138 may contain a vacuum cavity to reduce heat transferbetween the bottom surface 134 and top surface 111, or vice versa.Additionally or alternatively, it is contemplated that the internalcavity 138 may be partially or wholly filled with one or more foam orpolymer materials to increase thermal resistance. In yet anotherexample, one or more surfaces of the internal cavity 138 may be coatedwith a reflective material to reduce heat transfer by radiation.

In one example, a magnet, or magnetic material, may be positioned behindthe docking surface 114. Accordingly, in one implementation, the magnetor magnetic material may be positioned within a cavity 140 within thehandle 128. It is contemplated that any coupling mechanism may beutilized to position the magnet or magnetic material within the cavity140, including gluing, an interference fitting, clamping, screwing, orriveting, among others. In another example, the magnet or magneticmaterial may be overmolded within the handle 128, and such that thecavity 140 represents a volume that the overmolded magnet or magneticmaterial occupies.

In one example, the spout adapter 104 may be integrally formed. Inanother example, the spout adapter 104 may be formed from two or moreelements that are coupled together by another molding process, welding,gluing, interference fitting, or one or more fasteners (rivets, tabs,screws, among others). In one implementation, the spout adapter 104 maybe constructed from one or more polymers. It is contemplated, however,that the spout adapter 104 may, additionally or alternatively, beconstructed from one or more metals, alloys, ceramics, orfiber-reinforced materials, among others. The spout adapter 104 may beconstructed by one or more injection molding processes. In one specificexample, a multi-shot injection molding process (e.g. a two-shot, or athree-shot, among others) may be utilized to construct the spout adapter104. It is further contemplated that additional or alternative processesmay be utilized to construct the spout adapter 104, including rotationalmolding, blow molding, compression molding, gas assist molding, and/orcasting, among others.

FIG. 8 depicts an isometric view of cap 108, according to one or moreaspects described herein. As previously described, the cap 108 mayinclude a magnetic top surface 111. Accordingly, the cap 108 may beconstructed from one or more polymer materials, and such that themagnetic top surface 111 includes one or more polymers that areovermolded over a magnetic material.

In the depicted example, cap 108 has a substantially cylindrical shape.However, it is contemplated that additional or alternative shapes may beutilized, without departing from the scope of these disclosures. Forexample, cap 108 may be cuboidal in shape, among others. The cap 108includes grip depressions 142 a-c, which are configured to reduce orprevent a user's fingers from slipping upon application of a manualtorque to the cap 108 to couple or uncouple the cap 108 to or from thethreaded outer spout surface 122 of the spout opening 112. It iscontemplated that any number of the grip depressions 142 a-c may beutilized around a circumference of the cylindrical cap 108, withoutdeparting from the scope of these disclosures. Further, the cap 108 mayinclude additional or alternative structural elements configured toincrease a user's grip of the cap 108. For example, an outer cylindricalsurface 144 of the cap 108 may include a tacky/rubberized materialconfigured to increase a user's grip. Further, the outer cylindricalsurface 144 may include a series of corrugations, or a knurling.

FIG. 9 schematically depicts a cross-sectional view of the insulatingcontainer 100 with the cap 108 coupled to the threaded outer spoutsurface 122, the lid 106 coupled to the top threaded surface 120 of thespout adapter 104, and the bottom threaded surface 116 of the spoutadapter 104 coupled to the threaded inner surface 118 of the canister102.

The canister 102 may include a first inner wall 146 and a second outerwall 148. A sealed vacuum cavity 150 may be formed between the firstinner wall 146 and the second outer wall 148. This construction may beutilized to reduce heat transfer through the first inner wall 146 andthe second outer wall 148 between a reservoir 152, which is configuredto receive a mass of liquid, and an external environment 154. As such,the sealed vacuum cavity 150 between the first inner wall 146 and thesecond outer wall 148 may be referred to as an insulated double-wallstructure. Additionally, the first inner wall 146 may have a first end156 that defines an opening 158 extending into the internal reservoir152 for receiving a mass of liquid. The second outer wall 148 may forman outer shell of the canister 102. The second outer wall 148 may beformed of a side wall 160 and a bottom portion 162, which forms a secondend 164 to support the canister 102 on a surface. A seam 163 can beformed between the second outer wall 148 and the bottom portion 162. Inone example, the bottom portion 162 can be press-fitted onto the secondouter wall 148. Additionally the bottom portion 162 can be welded to thesecond outer wall 148. The weld may also be polished such that the seamdoes not appear on the bottom of the canister 102.

The bottom portion 162 may include a dimple 166 that is used during avacuum formation process. As depicted in FIG. 9, the bottom portion 162may cover the dimple 166 such that the dimple 166 is not visible to theuser. The dimple 166 may generally resemble a dome shape. However, othersuitable shapes are contemplated for receiving a resin material duringthe manufacturing process, such as a cone, or frustoconical shape. Thedimple 166 may include a circular base 168 converging to an opening 170extending into the second outer wall 148. As discussed below, theopening 170 may be sealed by a resin (not shown). During the formationof the vacuum between the first inner wall 146 and the second outer wall148, the resin may seal the opening 170 to provide the sealed vacuumcavity 150 between the first inner wall 146 and the second outer wall148 in formation of the insulated double-wall structure.

In alternative examples, the dimple 166 may be covered by acorrespondingly shaped disc (not shown) such that the dimple 166 is notvisible to the user. The circular base 168 may be covered by a disc,which can be formed of the same material as the second outer wall 148and the first inner wall 146. For example, the first inner wall 146, thesecond outer wall 148, and the disc may be formed of titanium, stainlesssteel, aluminum, or other metals or alloys. However, other suitablematerials and methods for covering the dimple 166 are contemplated, asdiscussed herein and as discussed in U.S. Appl. No. 62/237,419, which isincorporated fully by reference as set forth fully herein.

The canister 102 may be constructed from one or more metals, alloys,polymers, ceramics, or fiber-reinforced materials. Additionally,canister 102 may be constructed using one or more hot or cold workingprocesses (e.g. stamping, casting, molding, drilling, grinding, forging,among others). In one implementation, the canister 102 may beconstructed using a stainless steel. In specific examples, the canister102 may be formed substantially of 304 stainless steel or a titaniumalloy. Additionally, one or more cold working processes utilized to formthe geometry of the canister 102 may result in the canister 102 beingmagnetic (may be attracted to a magnet).

In one example, the reservoir 152 of the canister 102 may have aninternal volume of 532 ml (18 fl. oz.). In another example, thereservoir 152 may have an internal volume ranging between 500 and 550 ml(16.9 and 18.6 fl. oz.) or between 1000 ml and 1900 ml (33.8 fl. oz. and64.2 fl. oz.). In yet another example, the reservoir 152 may have aninternal volume of at least 100 ml (3.4 fl. oz.), at least 150 ml (5.1fl. oz.), at least 200 ml (6.8 fl. oz.), at least 400 ml (13.5 fl. oz.),at least 500 ml (16.9 fl. oz.), or at least 1000 ml (33.8 fl. oz.). Theopening 158 in the canister 102 may have an opening diameter of 64.8 mm.In another implementation, the opening 158 may have an opening diameterat or between 60 and/or 70 mm. The reservoir 152 may have an internaldiameter 153 and a height 155 configured to receive a standard-size 355ml (12 fl. oz.) beverage (aluminum) can (standard 355 ml beverage canwith an external diameter of approximately 66 mm and a height ofapproximately 122.7 mm). Accordingly, the internal diameter 153 maymeasure at least 66 mm, or between 50 mm and 80 mm. The height 155 maymeasure at least 122.7 mm, or between 110 mm and 140 mm.

Additional or alternative methods of insulating the container 100 arealso contemplated. For example, the cavity 150 between the first innerwall 146 and the outer walls 148 may be filled with various insulatingmaterials that exhibit low thermal conductivity. As such, the cavity 150may, in certain examples, be filled, or partially filled, with air toform air pockets for insulation, or a mass of material such as a polymermaterial, or a polymer foam material. In one specific example, thecavity 150 may be filled, or partially filled, with an insulating foam,such as polystyrene. However, additional or alternative insulatingmaterials may be utilized to fill, or partially fill, cavity 150,without departing from the scope of these disclosures.

Moreover, a thickness of the cavity 150 may be embodied with anydimensional value, without departing from the scope of thesedisclosures. Also, an inner surface of one or more of the first innerwall 146 or the second outer wall 148 of the container 100 may comprisea silvered surface, copper plated, or covered with thin aluminum foilconfigured to reduce heat transfer by radiation.

In one example, the lid 106 may be formed of one or more metals, alloys,polymers, ceramics, or fiber-reinforced materials, among others.Further, the lid 106 may be formed using one or more injection moldingor other manufacturing processes described herein among others. The lid106 may comprise a solid structure, or may include a double-wallstructure similar to the canister 102, having an inner wall 172, anouter wall 174, and a cavity 176 therebetween. It is also contemplatedthat the lid 106 may be insulated such that the cavity 176 is a vacuumcavity constructed using the techniques described herein.

In one example, the canister 102 includes a shoulder region 182. Assuch, the canister 102 may have an outer diameter 184 that is greaterthan an outer diameter 186 of the spout adapter 104. Accordingly, anouter wall 148 of the canister 102 may taper between points 188 and 190along a shoulder region 182. In one example, the shoulder region 182 mayimprove heat transfer performance of the canister 102 (reduce a rate ofheat transfer). In particular, the shoulder region 182 may compriseinsulation having lower thermal conductivity (higher thermalresistance/insulation) than the lid spout adapter 104 that seals theopening 158.

It is contemplated that the spout adapter 104 may include a lower gasket178 configured to seal the opening 158 of the canister 102 when thespout adapter 104 is removably coupled thereto. Additionally, the spoutadapter 180 may include an upper gasket configured to resealably sealthe lid 106 against the spout adapter 104, when coupled thereto.

FIGS. 10A-10F depict steps of a molding process of the spout adapter104, according to one or more aspects described herein. As previouslydescribed, the spout adapter may be constructed from one or morepolymers, and molded using a multi-shot injection molding process, amongothers. Accordingly, in one example, FIG. 10A depicts an intermediatespout adapter structure 1002 of following a first injection molding shotof polymer. The intermediate spout adapter structure 1002 includes a topthreaded section 1004 and a bottom threaded section 1006 that will formthe top threaded surface 120 and the bottom threaded surface 116,respectively, when the molding processes of the spout adapter 104 arecomplete. In one implementation, the intermediate spout adapterstructure 1002 includes a complete top surface 110 and spout opening 112having threaded outer spout surface 122 and spout channel 130.

FIG. 10B depicts a second intermediate spout adapter structure 1010following a second injection molding shot. The second intermediate spoutadapter structure 1010 includes a grip ring base structure 1112 thatextends around a circumference of the second intermediate spout adapterstructure 1010 and forms an underlying structural support surface for anovermolded third shot that forms the grip ring 126, as described withreference to FIG. 10C. Additionally, the second intermediate spoutadapter structure 1010 includes a handle base structure 1114, whichforms an underlying structural support surface for an overmolded thirdshot that forms the handle 128. Further, the handle base structure 1114includes a plate bracket 1116, which, in one implementation, isconfigured to hold a magnetic plate 1118 in a fixed position on surface1120 prior to overmolding to form the docking surface 114. Further, theplate bracket 1116 may include clamping elements configured to hold themagnetic plate 1118 in an interference fit prior to overmolding with athird injection molding shot. However, it is contemplated that the platebracket 1116 may utilize additional or alternative elements for holdingthe magnetic plate 1118, including gluing, or using one or morefasteners, among others.

FIG. 10C depicts a third intermediate spout adapter structure 1020following a third injection molding shot of polymer. In particular, athird injection molding shot of polymer is configured to overmold thegrip ring base structure 1112 and handle base structure 1114 to form thegrip ring 126 and handle 128 with docking surface 114, as previouslydescribed. It is also contemplated, however, that the grip ring basestructure 1112 could be formed separately with threads and threaded andglued into place on the spout adapter structure 1010.

FIG. 10D depicts a bottom view of the third intermediate spout adapterstructure 1020 of FIG. 10C. In particular, FIG. 10D depicts an opening1022 into a cavity (i.e. cavity 138 described in FIG. 7) prior toforming the bottom surface 134 of the spout adapter 104. Accordingly, afoam 1024 may be injected into the cavity, as depicted in FIG. 10D topartially or wholly fill the cavity, and thereby increase thermalresistivity of the spout adapter 104, once complete. It is contemplatedthat the foam 1024 may comprise any polymer foam material, withoutdeparting from the scope of these disclosures.

FIG. 10E depicts a fourth intermediate spout adapter structure 1030having a lower cap 1032 positioned to cover the opening 1022, aspreviously described in relation to FIG. 10E. In one example, the lowercap 1032 may be formed by a fourth shot of a polymer injection moldingprocess (otherwise referred to as a first shot of a process to mold thebottom surface 134).

FIG. 10F depicts the complete spout adapter 104 following a fifth shotof an injection molding process (otherwise referred to as a second shotof a process to mold the bottom surface 134). As depicted, a fifthinjection molding shot may be utilized to mold a sealing element 1042,which seals the opening 1022, as previously described in relation toFIG. 10E, and forms the bottom surface 134 of the complete spout adapter104.

FIG. 11 depicts an isometric view of an opening adapter assembly 1100configured to be removably coupled to an insulating container, accordingto one or more aspects described herein. In one example, the openingadapter assembly 1100 may be configured to be removably coupled to theinsulating container canister/bottle 102, as previously described inthese disclosures. FIG. 12 depicts an exploded isometric view of theopening adapter assembly 1100 from FIG. 11, according to one or moreaspects described herein. In one example, the assembly 1100 includes alid 1202. This lid 1202 may be similar to lid 106. Further, the lid 1202may be configured to be removably coupled to an opening adapter 1204. Inone example, the opening adapter 1204 may have a substantiallycylindrical geometry with an external top threaded surface 1220 that isconfigured to engage with internal threads of the lid 1202.Additionally, the opening adapter 1204 may include an external bottomthreaded surface 1222 that is configured to engage with a threaded innersurface of a canister, such as surface 118 of canister 102. An uppergasket 1208 and a lower gasket 1210 may be configured to seal an openingof the canister 102 when the external bottom threaded surface 1222 isremovably coupled thereto. Further, the upper gasket 1208 and the lowergasket 1210 may include any gasket geometry and/or materials, withoutdeparting from the scope of these disclosures.

A grip ring 1206 may extend around a circumference of the openingadapter 1204. The grip ring 1206 may be spaced between the external topthreaded surface 1220 and the external bottom threaded surface 1222. Inone example, the grip ring 1206 may be integrally molded with thecylindrical structure of the opening adapter 1204. In another example,the grip ring 1206 may be formed separately, and rigidly coupled to thecylindrical structure of the opening adapter 1204. For example, the gripring 1206 may be injection molded as a separate element and subsequentlycoupled to the opening adapter 1204 by gluing, welding, and/or aninterference fitting, among others. In another example, the grip ring1206 may be overmolded onto the opening adapter 1204.

The opening adapter 1204 may include a top opening 1224 configured toreceive a plug structure 1212. The plug structure 1212 may include abottom portion 1216 that has a substantially cylindrical sidewall, and atop portion 1214 that is rigidly coupled thereto. In one example, thebottom portion 1216 may be spin welded to the top portion 1214, amongothers. FIG. 13 depicts another isometric view of the plug structure1212, according to one or more aspects described herein. In oneimplementation, the substantially cylindrical sidewall of the bottomportion 1216 of the plug structure 1212 may include a threaded outersurface 1302 that is configured to removably couple to the internalthreaded surface 1218 of the opening adapter 1204. In one example, theplug structure 1212 may be configured to resealably seal the top opening1224 of the opening adapter 1204 when the threaded outer surface 1302engages with the internal threaded surface 1218 of the opening adapter1204. Further, the top portion 1214 may be configured to extend, in aradial direction, beyond the sidewall of the bottom portion 1216 to forma sealing surface 1304. This sealing surface 1304 may be configured toabut a top lip of the opening adapter 1204 at the top opening 1224.Accordingly, the sealing surface 1304 may include a gasket, and thisgasket may have any geometry (e.g. c-shaped gasket, among others), andmay be constructed from any material, without departing from the scopeof these disclosures.

The plug structure 1212 may include a handle 1306 that is rigidlycoupled to the top portion 1214. The handle 1306 may extend across adiameter of the top portion 1214, and may be configured for manualactuation of the threaded coupling between the plug structure 1212 andthe opening adapter 1204, as well as for manual insertion/removal of theplug structure 1212. The plug structure 1212 may also include one ormore external channels 1308. In one specific example, the plug structure1212 may include three external channels 1308 equally spaced apartaround a circumference of the outer sidewall of the bottom portion 1216of the plug structure 1212. It is contemplated, however, that any numberof external channels 1308 may be utilized, without departing from thescope of these disclosures. The external channel 1308 may be configuredto extend between a channel top edge 1310 and a channel bottom edge1312. In one implementation, a depth of the external channel 1308 (e.g.depth along a radial direction relative to the substantially cylindricalgeometry of the outer sidewall of the bottom portion 1216 of the plugstructure 1212) may be uniform along a longitudinal length of theexternal channel 1308 (e.g. along that direction parallel to alongitudinal axis of the cylindrical geometry of the bottom portion 1216of the plug structure 1212). In another implementation, a depth of theexternal channel 1308 may be non-uniform, and may transition from afirst depth to a second depth, less than the first depth, along achannel transition region 1314. In certain examples, the externalchannel 1308 may be configured to provide a partial or full gas pressurerelief/equilibration between an external environment and an internalcompartment of the canister 102 that the opening adapter 1204 isremovably coupled to.

In one example, the plug structure 1212 may include an internal cavitythat is partially or wholly filled with an insulating material, such asa foam (e.g. expanded polystyrene, among others), and/or may include avacuum cavity, configured to reduce heat transfer therethrough.

The plug structure 1212 may additionally include retention tabs 1316. Asdepicted, the plug structure 1212 may include three retention tabs 1316equally spaced around a circumference of a base 1318 of the plugstructure 1212. However, it is contemplated that any number of retentiontabs 1316 may be utilized, without departing from the scope of thesedisclosures. In one example, the retention tabs 1360 may includeflexures (e.g. one or more of longitudinal surface 1322 and/or radialsurface 1320 may be configured to deform) configured to flex between acompressed configuration and an expanded configuration. As depicted inFIG. 13, the retention tabs 1316 are in the expanded configuration.

In one example, the retention tabs 1316 may be configured to limit theextent to which the plug structure 1212 may be removed from the openingadapter 1204 when the threaded outer surface 1302 is uncoupled from theinternal threaded surface 1218 of the opening adapter 1204. Inparticular, when in the expanded configuration, the retention tabs 1316may be configured to abut a retention surface of the opening adapter1204. As such, FIG. 14 depicts a bottom view of the opening adapter1204, according to one or more aspects described herein. In oneimplementation, the retention tabs 1316 may be configured to abut theretention ridge surface 1402 of the opening adapter 1204 when in theexpanded configuration.

FIG. 15A schematically depicts a cross-sectional view of the plugstructure 1212 when fully engaged with the opening adapter 1204. Inparticular, FIG. 15A schematically depicts the threaded outer surface1302 of the plug structure 1212 coupled to the internal threaded surface1218 of the opening adapter 1204. Further, when in this depicted fullyengaged configuration, the retention tab 1316 may be spaced apart fromthe retention ridge surface 1402 of the opening adapter 1204. FIG. 15Bschematically depicts another cross-sectional view of the plug structure1212 in a partially uncoupled configuration relative to the openingadapter 1204. Accordingly, as depicted in FIG. 15B, the threaded outersurface 1302 of the plug structure 1212 may be uncoupled from theinternal threaded surface 1218 of the opening adapter 1204. However, theplug structure 1212 may be prevented from being fully removed from theopening adapter 1204 as a result of the retention tab 1316 abutting theretention ridge surface 1402 of the opening adapter 1204.Advantageously, this partial uncoupling may allow for the top opening1224 to be unsealed, and the contents of, in one example, the canister102 to be poured therefrom, without the plug structure 1212 being fullyremoved from the opening adapter 1204. Further advantageously, thisfunctionality may allow for single-handed actuation of the threadedcoupling between the opening adapter 1204 and the plug structure 1212,as well as pouring of the contents of the canister 102, withoutrequiring the plug structure 1212 to be fully removed and held in auser's other hand, or set aside on an external surface.

In order to fully remove the plug structure 1212 from the openingadapter 1204, a manual decoupling force may be applied to urge theretention tabs 1316 to transition from the expanded configurationdepicted in FIG. 15B, to a compressed configuration that allows theretention tabs 1316 to move past the retention ridge surface 1402. Inone example, this manual decoupling force may be applied in a directionparallel to a longitudinal axis of the cylindrical structure of thebottom portion 1216. It is contemplated that any decoupling force may beutilized, based on the specific geometries and materials, among others,of the retention tabs 1316, without departing from the scope of thesedisclosures. Additionally or alternatively, the retention tabs 1360 maybe configured to abut one or more additional or alternative surfaces ofthe opening adapter 1204 when in the expanded configuration, such asbase surface 1502, without departing from the scope of thesedisclosures.

FIGS. 16-22C illustrate exemplary embodiment of pour spout/openingadapter assembly 1600 for a beverage container, which is somewhatsimilar in structure to the opening adapter assembly 1100 describedabove. FIG. 16 depicts the opening adapter assembly 1600 removablycoupled to the insulating container canister/bottle 102, as previouslydescribed in these disclosures. FIGS. 17A and 17B depict isometric viewsof the opening adapter assembly 1600 uncoupled from the canister/bottle102. The opening adapter assembly 1600 may include a lid 1602, which maybe configured to function as a cup into which, for example, a portion ofthe liquid stored in the canister 102 can be poured, similar to the lid106 and lid 1202 described above. The lid 1602 may also be configured tobe removably coupled to an opening adapter 1604, and a plug structure1650 may be removably coupled to the opening adapter 1604.

FIG. 18 depicts an exploded isometric view of the pour spout/openingadapter assembly 1600, according to one or more aspects describedherein. The opening adapter assembly 1600 may comprise a lid 1602, apour spout/opening adapter 1604, and a plug structure 1650. The openingadapter 1604 may comprise a grip ring 1606 having an upper surface 1608,a lower surface 1610 surface opposite the upper surface 1608, and a sidesurface 1612 extending from the upper surface 1608 to the lower surface1610. Further, the grip ring 1606 may be similar to and have thecharacteristics of grip ring 1206 described above. Additionally, anupper cylindrical member 1614 may extend from the upper surface 1608,where the upper cylindrical member 1614 includes an upper externalthreaded portion to engage the lid 1602. The opening adapter 1604further comprises a lower cylindrical member 1616 extending from thelower surface 1610, where the lower cylindrical member 1616 includes alower externally threaded portion 1618 configured to engage threadedinner surface of a canister, such as surface 118 of canister 102.Additionally, the opening adapter 1604 may include an opening 1620extending from a top surface 1622 of the upper cylindrical member 1614through a bottom surface 1624 of the lower cylindrical member 1616forming an interior surface 1626, where the interior surface 1626includes an internal threaded portion 1628 that may engage an externalthreaded portion 1656 of the plug structure 1650 when the plug structure1650 is received in the opening 1620 of the opening adapter 1604. Anupper adapter gasket 1640 and a lower adapter gasket 1644 may beconfigured to provide a duplicate gaskets between the opening adapter1604 and the canister 102. Further, the upper adapter gasket 1640 andthe lower adapter gasket 1644 may include any gasket geometry and/ormaterials, without departing from the scope of these disclosures.

Similar to the embodiment of the opening adapter assembly 1100 describedabove, the plug structure 1650 may be received into the opening adapter1604, where the external threads 1656 of the plug structure 1650 mayengage the internal threads 1628 of the opening adapter 1604 such thatas the plug structure 1650 is rotated the plug structure 1650 moves in avertical direction to open and close the adapter assembly 1600. When theplug structure 1650 is engaged with the opening adapter 1604, theopening adapter assembly 1600 may be in a closed orientation such thatliquid does not flow from the container as shown in FIG. 19, and whenthe plug structure 1650 is partially engaged with the opening adapter1604, the opening adapter assembly 1600 may be in an open orientationsuch that liquid flows from the container as shown in FIG. 20.

The plug structure 1650 may include a top/handle portion 1652 and asubstantially cylindrical lower portion 1654, where the lower portion1654 may include an externally threaded portion 1656 that may removablycouple with the internally threaded portion 1628 of the spout adapter1604 when the plug structure 1650 is received within the opening 1620.The plug structure 1650 may also include an upper plug gasket 1680 and alower plug gasket 1682 to seal against the opening adapter 1604. Inaddition, the plug structure 1650 may include a plurality of elongatedtabs 1660 that frictionally engage a projection 1630 extending from theinterior surface 1626 when the plug structure 1650 is rotated within theadapter 1604 to move the adapter assembly 1600 to an open orientation,where the frictional engagement of the elongated tabs 1660 with theprojection 1630 provides the user with tactile feedback that the adapterassembly 1600 is in an optimal pouring position. The tactile feedbackmay be perceived by the user as increased resistance when unscrewing theplug structure 1650 from the adapter 1604. In order to fully remove theplug structure 1650 from the adapter 1604, the user continues to unscrewthe plug structure 1650 which may cause the elongated tabs 1660 todeform allowing them to move above the projection 1630 at which pointthe plug structure 1650 may be fully unscrewed from the adapter 1604.

FIG. 19 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the adapter assembly 1600in a closed orientation with the lid 1602 removed. The plug structure1650 is engaged with the adapter 1604 such that the lower plug gasket1682 contacts an upper surface of projection 1630 of the adapter 1604 toprevent fluid from flowing from the container. Optionally, as shown inthe exemplary embodiment, the upper plug gasket 1680 may contact theinterior surface 1626 of the adapter 1604 to provide an additional sealbetween the adapter 1604 and the plug structure 1650.

FIG. 20 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the adapter assembly 1600in an open orientation with the lid 1602 removed. The plug structure1650 is partially unscrewed from the adapter 1604 such that the lowerplug gasket 1682 is released from contacting the projection 1630 of theadapter 1604 to allow fluid to flow from the container. As the plugstructure 1650 is unscrewed, the elongated tabs 1660 may move upwards tofrictionally engage the projection 1630 placing the adapter assembly1600 in an optimal pouring position.

The plug structure 1650 with the plug gaskets 1680 and 1682 installed isshown in FIGS. 21-22C. The handle portion 1652 may include a protrusion1653 that extends across a diameter of the handle portion 1652, and maybe configured for manual actuation of the threaded coupling between theplug structure 1650 and the opening adapter 1604, as well as for manualinsertion/removal of the plug structure 1650. The handle portion 1652may be configured to extend, in a radial direction, beyond the diameterof the substantially cylindrical lower portion 1654 such that the bottomsurface of the handle portion may form a sealing surface to abut a topsurface 1622 of the opening adapter 1604. Alternatively, as shown in theexemplary embodiment the upper plug gasket 1680 may be arranged adjacentbottom surface of the handle portion 1652. Similar to the plug structure1212, the plug structure 1650 may also include one or more externalchannels 1658, which may be similar and have characteristics of theexternal channels 1308 described above. The channels 1658 may interruptthe threaded portion 1656 forming interrupted threaded portions 1656A.The channels 1658 may provide a flow path for the fluid to flow when theadapter assembly 1600 is in an open orientation. While the exemplaryembodiment illustrates the plug structure 1650 having three externalchannels 1658 that are equally spaced apart around a circumference ofthe lower portion 1654, the plug structure 1650 may comprise any numberof channels 1658. In addition, the plug structure 1650 may include aninternal cavity 1676 that is partially or wholly filled with aninsulating material 1678 similar to plug structure 1212 described above,where this insulating material may be a foam material such as anexpanding polystyrene foam or similar material.

The lower portion 1654 of the plug structure 1650 may include an uppersubstantially cylindrical portion 1662 and a lower substantiallycylindrical portion 1664 with a groove 1666 positioned between the uppercylindrical portion 1662 and the lower cylindrical portion 1664, wherethe lower plug gasket 1682 is arranged within the groove 1666. Theplurality of elongated tabs 1660 may extend outward from the cylindricallower portion 1664, where the length of each tab 1660 is longer than thethickness. Each elongated tab 1660 have a base member 1668 extendingoutward from the lower cylindrical portion 1664 and an end portion 1670that extends downward from the base member 1668. The base member 1668may extend such that the top surface 1672 extends at an obtuse anglefrom the side of the lower cylindrical portion 1664 to provide a rampedsurface to engage the projection 1630 when unscrewing the plug structure1650. Additionally, each end portion 1670 may have a downward facingsurface 1674 that is arranged at an acute angle to the top surface 1672of the base member 1668 to provide a ramped surface to engage projection1630 when installing the plug structure 1650 into the adapter 1604. Asdepicted, the plug structure 1650 may include three elongated tabs 1660equally spaced around a circumference of lower cylindrical portion 1664.At least one of the elongated tabs 1660 may be centered along one of theinterrupted threaded portions 1656A. However, it is contemplated thatany number of elongated tabs 1660 may be utilized, without departingfrom the scope of these disclosures.

FIGS. 23-31C illustrate another exemplary embodiment of an openingadapter assembly for a beverage container. FIGS. 23-31C illustrateopening adapter assembly 1700, which is somewhat similar in structure tothe opening adapter assemblies 1100 and 1600 described above. For theembodiment of FIGS. 23-31C, the features are referred to using similarreference numerals under the “17xx” series of reference numerals, ratherthan “16xx” as used in the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 16-22C.Accordingly, certain features of the opening adapter assembly 1700already described above with respect to opening adapter assembly 1600 ofFIGS. 16-22C may be described in lesser detail, or may not be describedat all. FIG. 23 depicts the opening adapter assembly 1700 removablycoupled to the insulating container canister/bottle 102, as previouslydescribed in these disclosures.

FIG. 24 depicts an exploded isometric view of the pour spout/openingadapter assembly 1700 of FIG. 23, according to one or more aspectsdescribed herein. The opening adapter 1704 may comprise a shelf member1706 having an upper substantially cylindrical member 1714 extendingfrom the shelf member 1706. The pour spout/opening adapter 1704 furthercomprises a lower substantially cylindrical member 1716 extending fromthe shelf member 1706, where the lower cylindrical member 1716 includesa lower external threaded portion 1718 configured to engage a threadedinner surface of a canister, such as surface 118 of canister 102.Additionally, the opening adapter 1704 may include an opening 1720extending from a top surface 1722 of the upper cylindrical member 1714through a bottom surface 1724 of the lower cylindrical member 1716forming an interior surface 1726, where the interior surface 1726includes an internal threaded portion 1728 that may engage the plugstructure 1750 when the plug structure 1750 is received in the opening1720 of the opening adapter 1704. An upper adapter gasket 1740 and alower adapter gasket 1744 may be configured to provide a seal betweenthe opening adapter 1704 and the canister 102 when the opening adapteris removably coupled to the canister 102. Further, the upper adaptergasket 1740 and the lower adapter gasket 1744 may include any gasketgeometry and/or materials, without departing from the scope of thesedisclosures.

Similar to the embodiment of the opening adapter assembly 1600 describedabove, the plug structure 1750 may be received into the opening adapter1704, where the external threads 1756 of the plug structure 1750 mayengage the internal threads 1728 of the opening adapter 1704 such thatas the plug structure 1750 is rotated, the plug structure 1750 moves ina vertical direction to open and close the adapter assembly 1700. Whenthe plug structure 1750 is engaged with the opening adapter 1704, theopening adapter assembly 1700 may be in a closed orientation such thatliquid does not flow from the container as shown in FIG. 25, and whenthe plug structure 1750 is partially engaged with the opening adapter1704, the opening adapter assembly 1700 may be in an open orientationsuch that liquid flows from the container as shown in FIG. 26.

The plug structure 1750 may include a top/handle portion 1752 and asubstantially cylindrical lower portion 1754, where a lower portion 1754may include an external threaded portion 1756 that may removably couplewith the internally threaded portion 1728 of the spout adapter 1704 whenthe plug structure 1750 is received within the opening 1720. The plugstructure 1750 may also include an upper plug gasket 1780 and a lowerplug gasket 1782 to seal against the opening adapter 1704. In addition,the plug structure 1750 may include a plurality of elongated tabs 1760that frictionally engage a projection 1730 extending from the interiorsurface 1726 when the plug structure 1750 is rotated within the adapter1704 to move the adapter assembly 1700 to an open orientation. As theelongated tabs 1760 contact the projection 1730, the user may feelincreased resistance. When the plug structure 1750 is moved into theoptimal pouring position, the elongated tabs 1760 may move into aplurality of pockets 1732 arranged along the projection 1730, which maygive the user a tactile feeling of the elongated tabs 1760 falling intothe pockets 1732 and also audible feedback to let the user know theopening adapter assembly 1700 is in an optimal pouring position.

FIG. 25 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the adapter assembly 1700in a closed orientation. The plug structure 1750 may be engaged with theadapter 1704 such that the lower plug gasket 1782 contacts theprojection 1730 of the adapter 1704 to prevent fluid from flowing fromthe container. Optionally, as shown in the exemplary embodiment, theupper plug gasket 1780 may contact the interior surface 1726 of theadapter 1704 to provide an additional seal between the adapter 1704 andthe plug structure 1750.

FIG. 26 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the adapter assembly 1700in an open orientation. As shown, the plug structure 1750 is partiallyunscrewed from the adapter 1704 such that the lower plug gasket 1782 maybe released from contacting the projection 1730 of the adapter 1704 toallow fluid to flow from the container. As discussed above, as the plugstructure 1750 is unscrewed, the elongated tabs 1760 may engageprojection 1730 and move into pockets 1732 positioned within theprojection 1730 to provide tactile feedback to a user that the plugstructure 1750 is in an optimal pouring position. FIG. 27 illustrates abottom view of the adapter assembly 1700 in an optimal pouring position,where each of the elongated tabs 1760 are arranged in a correspondingpocket 1732 of the projection 1730 of the adapter 1704.

FIGS. 28-29C illustrate the adapter 1604 with the adapter gaskets 1740and 1744. As discussed above, the adapter 1604 includes a shelf member1706 with an upper cylindrical member 1714 which further includes a topsurface 1722 that may serve as the lip of the cup portion for a user todrink. The lower cylindrical member 1716 that includes an externalthreaded portion 1718 that engages the canister/bottle 102. The adapter1704 may include a projection 1730 that extends from the interiorsurface 1726. As shown in FIGS. 29B and 29C, the projection 1730 mayinclude a plurality of pockets 1732, where each pocket 1732 isconfigured to receive one of the plurality of elongated tabs 1760.Further, the projection 1730 may have a varying width such that amaximum width of the projection 1730 occurs at a peak 1734 that isadjacent the beginning of each pocket 1732. This peak 1734 may increasethe resistance felt by the user when unscrewing the plug structure 1750from the adapter 1704 until the elongated tabs 1760 move into thepockets 1732.

The plug structure 1750 with the gaskets 1780 and 1782 installed isshown in FIGS. 30-31C. The handle portion 1752 may include a protrusion1753 that extends across a diameter of the handle portion 1752, and maybe configured for manual actuation of the threaded coupling between theplug structure 1750 and the opening adapter 1704, as well as for manualinsertion/removal of the plug structure 1750. The handle portion 1752may be configured to extend, in a radial direction, beyond the diameterof the substantially cylindrical lower portion 1754 such that the bottomsurface of the handle portion 1752 may form a sealing surface that abutsa top surface 1722 of the opening adapter 1704. Alternatively, as shownin the exemplary embodiment the upper plug gasket 1780 may be arrangedadjacent bottom surface of the handle portion 1752. Similar to the plugstructures 1212, 1650, the plug structure 1750 may also include one ormore external channels 1758, which may be similar and havecharacteristics of the external channels 1308, 1658 described above. Thechannels 1758 may interrupt the externally threaded portion 1756 forminga plurality of threaded portions 1756A. The channels 1758 may provide aflow path for the fluid to flow when the adapter assembly 1700 is in anopen orientation. While the exemplary embodiment illustrates the plugstructure 1750 having three external channels 1658 that are equallyspaced apart around a circumference of the lower portion 1654, the plugstructure 1750 may comprise any number of external channels 1758. Inaddition, the plug structure 1750 may include an internal cavity 1776that is partially or wholly filled with an insulating material 1778similar to plug structures 1212 and 1650 described above, where thisinsulating material may be a foam material such as an expandingpolystyrene foam or similar material.

The lower portion 1754 of the plug structure 1750 may include an uppercylindrical portion 1762 and a lower cylindrical portion 1764 with agroove 1766 positioned between the upper cylindrical portion 1762 andthe lower cylindrical portion 1764, where the lower plug gasket 1782 isarranged within the groove 1766. The plurality of elongated tabs 1760may protrude from the cylindrical lower portion 1764. Each elongated tab1760 may have tapered ends and a thicker center region. Additionally,each of the plurality of elongated tabs 1760 may have an outboardsurface 1768 that may engage the projection 1730 of the spout adapter1704 when the plug structure 1750 is in an open orientation. Each of theplurality of elongated tabs 1760 may be substantially parallel with eachthread of the threaded portion and also may be centered along the lengthof each of the interrupted threaded portions 1756A. In addition, aplurality of elongated aperture 1770 may be arranged adjacent eachelongated tab 1760, such that an elongated aperture 1770 is above eachelongated tab 1760 and an elongated aperture 1770 is below eachelongated tab 1760. The apertures 1770 may have a length that equal toor longer than the length of the elongated tabs 1760. The apertures 1770help to adjust the localized stiffness around the elongated tab 1760 toallow for the elongated tab 1760 to deform as it engages the projection1730 of the adapter 1704. As depicted, the plug structure 1750 mayinclude three elongated tabs 1760 equally spaced around a circumferenceof lower cylindrical portion 1764. However, it is contemplated that anynumber of elongated tabs 1760 may be utilized, without departing fromthe scope of these disclosures.

It is contemplated that the structures of the opening adapter assembly1100 may be constructed from any materials. For example, one or more ofthe described elements may be constructed from one or more polymers,metals, alloys, composites, ceramics or woods, without departing fromthe scope of these disclosures. In particular, the opening adapterassembly 1100 may utilize one or more of steel, titanium, iron, nickel,cobalt, high impact polystyrene, acrylonitrile butadiene styrene, nylon,polyvinylchloride, polyethylene, and/or polypropylene, among others. Itis further contemplated that any manufacturing methodologies may beutilized to construct the described elements of the opening adapterassembly 1100, without departing from the scope of these disclosures. Incertain examples, injection molding, blow molding, casting, rotationalmolding, compression molding, gas assist molding, thermoforming, or foammolding, welding (e.g. spin welding), gluing, or use of fasteners (e.g.rivets, staples, screws etc.) among others, may be utilized, withoutdeparting from the scope of these disclosures. Additionally, it iscontemplated that the depicted and described elements of the openingadapter assembly 1100 may be constructed with any dimensional values,without departing from the scope of these disclosures. As such, forexample, the described threads (e.g. of threaded outer surface 1302,1618, internal threaded surface 1218, 1628, 1728, external top threadedsurface 1220, and/or external bottom threaded surfaces 1222, 1656, 1756)may be constructed with any thread geometries, without departing fromthe scope of these disclosures.

In one example, an insulating container formed of a material can includea canister that has a first inner wall that has a first end with athreaded sidewall and an opening extending into an internal reservoirfor receiving liquid, and a second outer wall forming an outer shell ofthe canister. The second outer wall can include a second end configuredto support the canister on a surface. The canister can also include asealed vacuum cavity forming an insulated double wall structure betweenthe first inner wall and the second outer wall. The insulating containercan also include a spout adapter having a spout channel extendingthrough a height of the spout adapter between a bottom surface and aspout opening on a top surface of the spout adapter. The spout openingis sealed with a cap having a magnetic top surface configured tomagnetically couple to a docking surface on a grip ring extending arounda circumference of the spout adapter between a top threaded surface anda bottom threaded surface. The bottom threaded surface configured toresealably seal the spout adapter to the opening of the canister, andthe top threaded surface configured to removably couple the spoutadapter to a lid.

In another example, an insulating container may include a canister thathas a first inner wall having a first end having a threaded sidewall andan opening extending into an internal reservoir for receiving liquid,and a second outer wall forming an outer shell of the canister. Thesecond outer wall can include a second end configured to support thecanister on a surface. The canister can also include a sealed vacuumcavity forming an insulated double wall structure between the firstinner wall and the second outer wall. The insulating container can alsoinclude an opening adapter that has an external bottom threaded surfaceto removably couple to and seal the opening of the canister. The openingadapter may also have an internal threaded surface, an external topthreaded surface, and a grip ring positioned between the external topthreaded surface and the external bottom threaded surface. Theinsulating container may also include a plug structure that has asubstantially cylindrical top portion and a substantially cylindricalbottom portion. The plug structure may also include a threaded outersurface that is configured to removably couple to the internal threadedsurface of the opening adapter. The plug structure may also have ahandle that is rigidly coupled to a top portion, and a retention tabthat is rigidly/flexibly coupled to a bottom portion of the plugstructure. Further, an external channel may extend between a channel topedge and a channel bottom edge of the plug structure. Additionally, theinsulating container may include a lid that is configured to beremovably coupled to the external top threaded surface of the openingadapter.

Still other examples may disclose an opening adapter assembly comprisingan opening adapter, comprising: a grip ring having an upper surface, alower surface opposite the upper surface, and a side surface extendingfrom the upper surface to the lower surface; an upper substantiallycylindrical member extending from the upper surface, where the uppercylindrical member includes an upper external threaded portion; and alower substantially cylindrical member extending from the lower surface,where the lower cylindrical member includes a lower externally threadedportion. The open adapter may further include an opening extending froma top surface of the upper substantially cylindrical member through abottom surface of the lower substantially cylindrical member forming aninterior surface, wherein the interior surface includes an internallythreaded portion. The open adapter assembly may further include a plugstructure having a handle portion, a substantially cylindrical lowerportion, where a plurality of elongated tabs extend from thesubstantially cylindrical lower portion. The plug structure may bepartially received within the opening adapter and movable from an openorientation to a closed orientation. Each elongated tab of the pluralityof elongated tabs may have an outboard surface that frictionally engagesa projection extending from the interior surface of the opening adapterwhen the plug structure is in the open orientation to provide tactilefeedback to a user that the opening adapter assembly is in an optimalpouring position. The plug structure may further comprise an externallythreaded portion along the substantially cylindrical lower portion thatengages the internally threaded portion on the interior surface of theopening adapter. When the opening adapter assembly is in the openorientation, at least one of the plurality of the elongated tabs mayfrictionally engage a projection extending from the interior surface ofthe opening adapter. The elongated tabs may have a base extending fromthe cylindrical lower portion and an end portion opposite where the baseextends from the cylindrical lower portion, where the base has athickness that is less than a maximum thickness of the end portion. Inaddition, each elongated tab of the plurality of elongated tabs mayextend at an acute angle from the cylindrical lower portion. Theplurality of elongated tabs may comprise three elongated tabs.

In some embodiments, the opening adapter may releasably attach to acontainer body, where a lower gasket and an upper gasket positioned onthe opening adapter engage with the container body to seal an opening ofthe container body. The plug structure may further includes a lowergasket positioned between an externally threaded portion and theplurality of elongated tabs. As another option, a threaded portion ofthe plug structure may comprise a plurality of interrupted threadedportions, and wherein at least one of the elongated tabs are centeredalong one of the interrupted threaded portions. The opening adapterassembly may also include a lid that releasably engages with the uppercylindrical member.

Further embodiments may relate to an opening adapter assembly comprisingan opening adapter, comprising: a shelf member having an uppersubstantially cylindrical member extending upward from the shelf member,and a lower substantially cylindrical member extending downward from theshelf member, where the lower substantially cylindrical member includesan external threaded portion. The opening adapter may further include anopening through a top surface of the upper substantially cylindricalmember through a bottom surface of the lower substantially cylindricalmember forming an interior surface, where the interior surface includesan internally threaded portion. The opening adapter assembly may alsoinclude a plug structure having a handle portion, a substantiallycylindrical lower portion, where a plurality of elongated tabs extendfrom the substantially cylindrical lower portion. The plug structure maybe received within the opening adapter and is movable from an openorientation to a closed orientation. Each of the plurality of elongatedtabs may have an outboard surface that frictionally engages a projectionextending from the interior surface of the opening adapter when the plugstructure is in the open orientation. The projection on the openingadapter may include a plurality of pockets.

Further examples relate to a plug structure that include a plurality ofthreaded portions, where at least one of the plurality of elongated tabsare centered along one of the plurality of interrupted threadedportions. Each elongated tab of the plurality of elongated tabs may beoriented substantially parallel to each thread of an externally threadedportion on the substantially cylindrical lower portion. Furthermore, anaperture may be arranged adjacent to each elongated tab of the pluralityof elongated tabs, or additionally a first aperture may be arrangedadjacent and above a first elongated tab of the plurality of elongatedtabs, and a second aperture is arranged adjacent and below the firstelongated tab of the plurality of elongated tabs. When in the openorientation, each elongated tab is located within a corresponding pocketarranged along a projection on the interior surface of the openingadapter.

The present disclosure is disclosed above and in the accompanyingdrawings with reference to a variety of examples. The purpose served bythe disclosure, however, is to provide examples of the various featuresand concepts related to the disclosure, not to limit the scope of thedisclosure. One skilled in the relevant art will recognize that numerousvariations and modifications may be made to the examples described abovewithout departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

What is claimed is:
 1. An opening adapter assembly comprising: anopening adapter, comprising: a shelf member having an uppersubstantially cylindrical member extending upward from the shelf member,and a lower substantially cylindrical member extending downward from theshelf member, wherein the lower substantially cylindrical memberincludes an external threaded portion; and an opening extending from atop surface of the upper substantially cylindrical member through abottom surface of the lower substantially cylindrical member forming aninterior surface, wherein the interior surface includes an internallythreaded portion; and a plug structure having a handle portion, asubstantially cylindrical lower portion, an externally threaded portion,a plurality of elongated tabs, and a lower seal positioned between theexternally threaded portion and the plurality of elongated tabs, whereinthe plurality of elongated tabs protrude outwardly from thesubstantially cylindrical lower portion, wherein each elongated tab ofthe plurality of elongated tabs is oriented substantially parallel toeach thread of the externally threaded portion; wherein the plugstructure is received within the opening adapter and is movable from anopen orientation where each elongated tab of the plurality of elongatedtabs is located within a corresponding pocket arranged along aprojection that extends inward from the interior surface of the openingadapter to a closed orientation where the lower seal contacts theprojection of the opening adapter.
 2. The opening adapter assembly ofclaim 1, wherein each elongated tab of the plurality of elongated tabshave an outboard surface that frictionally engages the projection of theopening adapter when the plug structure is in the open orientation. 3.The opening adapter assembly of claim 1, wherein the externally threadedportion of the plug structure comprises a plurality of interruptedthreaded portions, and wherein at least one of the plurality ofelongated tabs are centered along one of the plurality of interruptedthreaded portions.
 4. The opening adapter assembly of claim 1, whereinan aperture that extends through the cylindrical lower portion isarranged adjacent to each elongated tab of the plurality of elongatedtabs.
 5. The opening adapter assembly of claim 1, wherein a firstaperture that extends through the cylindrical lower portion is arrangedadjacent and above a first elongated tab of the plurality of elongatedtabs, and a second aperture that extends through the cylindrical lowerportion is arranged adjacent and below the first elongated tab of theplurality of elongated tabs.
 6. The opening adapter assembly of claim 1,wherein the plurality of elongated tabs comprises three elongated tabsthat are equally spaced apart around a circumference of the cylindricallower portion.
 7. The opening adapter assembly of claim 1, wherein theplug structure includes an upper seal located above the externallythreaded portion.
 8. The opening adapter assembly of claim 1, whereinthe projection has a varying width such that a maximum width of theprojection occurs at a peak that is adjacent a beginning of eachcorresponding pocket on the projection.
 9. The opening adapter assemblyof claim 1, wherein when the plug structure is moved into the openorientation, a movement of each elongated tab of the plurality ofelongated tabs into the corresponding pocket provides a user audiblefeedback that the opening adapter assembly is in an optimal pouringposition.
 10. The opening adapter assembly of claim 1, wherein when theplug structure is moved into the open orientation, a movement of theelongated tabs moving into the corresponding pocket provides a usertactile feedback that the opening adapter assembly is in an optimalpouring position.
 11. An opening adapter assembly comprising: an openingadapter, comprising: a shelf member having an upper substantiallycylindrical member extending upward from the shelf member, and a lowersubstantially cylindrical member extending downward from the shelfmember, wherein the lower substantially cylindrical member includes anexternal threaded portion; and an opening extending from a top surfaceof the upper substantially cylindrical member through a bottom surfaceof the lower substantially cylindrical member forming an interiorsurface, wherein the interior surface includes an internally threadedportion and a projection that extends inward from the interior surfacebelow the internally threaded portion; and a plug structure having ahandle portion, a substantially cylindrical lower portion, an externallythreaded portion, a plurality of elongated tabs, and a lower sealpositioned between the externally threaded portion and the plurality ofelongated tabs, wherein the plurality of elongated tabs protrude fromthe substantially cylindrical lower portion, wherein a first elongatedtab of the plurality of elongated tabs is oriented substantiallyparallel to a thread of the externally threaded portion; wherein a firstaperture that extends through the cylindrical lower portion is arrangedadjacent and above the first elongated tab of the plurality of elongatedtabs, and a second aperture that extends through the cylindrical lowerportion is arranged adjacent and below the first elongated tab of theplurality of elongated tabs; and wherein the plug structure is receivedwithin the opening adapter and is movable from an open orientation to aclosed orientation.
 12. The opening adapter assembly of claim 11,wherein the projection includes a plurality of pockets, wherein eachpocket of the plurality of pockets is configured to receive one of theplurality of elongated tabs.
 13. The opening adapter assembly of claim11, wherein the first elongated tab of the plurality of elongated tabsis located within a first pocket of the plurality of pockets arrangedalong the projection that extends inward from the interior surface ofthe opening adapter to the closed orientation where the lower sealcontacts the projection of the opening adapter.
 14. The opening adapterassembly of claim 11, wherein the projection has a varying width suchthat a maximum width of the projection occurs at a peak that is adjacenta beginning of each pocket of the plurality of pockets of theprojection.
 15. The opening adapter assembly of claim 11, wherein whenthe plug structure is moved into the open orientation, a movement ofeach elongated tab of the plurality of elongated tabs into acorresponding pocket of the plurality of pockets provides a user audiblefeedback that the opening adapter assembly is in an optimal pouringposition.
 16. The opening adapter assembly of claim 11, wherein when theplug structure is moved into the open orientation, a movement of eachelongated tab of the plurality of elongated tabs into a correspondingpocket of the plurality of pockets provides a user tactile feedback thatthe opening adapter assembly is in an optimal pouring position.